As 2015 comes to a close, NOBCChE would like to wish its members, partners and other industry professionals a safe and happy holiday season. As we reflect on the past year for the industry, we would like to provide the readers of the NOBCChE eBrief a look at the most accessed articles from the year. Our regular publication will resume Thursday, Jan. 7.

CheatSheetFrom July 9:
Making a good first impression on your interviewer is vital. Your ability to dress the part can determine your fate. One thing job hunters don't always pay attention to is their clothing color choice. There are certain colors that can give you an edge as well as colors that could get you shown the door. The job you're applying for likely has hundreds of people vying for the same spot, so whether you like it or not, you'll have to put up a fight. Something as simple as clothing color could help or hurt your chance of moving to the next round of hiring.READ MORE

The Washington PostFrom Feb. 12:
In a series of famous studies designed to gauge at what age stereotypes sink into young minds, elementary school students were asked to draw a scientist. Kindergarteners' drawings in these Draw-a-Scientist tests were all over the map. But by second grade, one standard image had firmly taken root: A scientist wore a white lab coat and glasses. And he was always a white man.READ MORE

Fast CompanyFrom Feb. 26:
When you're gunning for a new job, there's a good chance that you'll spend hours poring over every bullet point on your résumé, and spend even more time writing and rewriting your cover letter.
But how much time do you spend prepping your list of references?READ MORE

The Huffington PostFrom Aug. 13:
Jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics represent some of the best opportunities for workers in today's economy. The work can be rewarding as well as coming with high pay and good benefits (like a 401(k) and health insurance). Diversity in STEM, however is a problem, one that has captured the attention of CEOs like Jeff Bezos and policymakers including the president himself.
The solutions pursued in both the public and private sectors are varied — from companies enacting inclusive hiring policies to federal programs like "Educate to Innovate," which among other things has aimed to increase the number of minorities pursuing a STEM education. However, while STEM diversity is a national problem, it isn't equally severe in all parts of the country.READ MORE

USA TodayFrom Feb. 19:
You know you're supposed to have a one-page resume. No matter how much you want to cling to your two-pager, we both know that — unless yo'’re applying to a high-level executive position — no one actually makes it past the first page. You might as well bite the bullet and get all the important bits on one, 8.5×11″ document.READ MORE

The Daily MuseFrom April 30:
Ah, the dreaded cover letter. Every time you sit down to write one, you probably browse cover letter examples online, get overwhelmed and think something to the effect of: Does anyone really read these? Wouldn't it be so much easier if I could just let my resume speak for itself?
First off: Yes, cover letters do, in fact, get read. In fact, to some hiring managers, they're the most important part of your application. And yes, while it would be easier to let your resume speak for itself, if that was the case you'd completely miss the opportunity to tell prospective employers who you are, showcase why they should hire you, and stand out above all the other candidates.READ MORE

Business InsiderFrom Sept. 3:
You're in the hot seat. You've just answered a dozen questions about yourself and successfully explained why you'd make a great addition to the team. You crushed it and you're feeling good.
But then the interviewer turns the tables and asks one final question: "So do you have any questions for me?"
You say, "no, not that I can think of," or ask something that could have easily been answered with a quick Google search — and just like that, everything falls apart.
To avoid this situation, you should go to every job interview prepared with a few smart questions that will really impress the employer. Here are a few suggestions.READ MORE

The Associated Press via Black Press USAFrom March 26:
President Barack Obama is highlighting private-sector efforts to encourage more students from underrepresented groups to pursue education in science, technology, engineering and math.
At the White House Science Fair on March 23, Obama announced more than $240 million in pledges to boost the study of those fields, known as STEM. This year's fair is focused on diversity.
Obama said the new commitments have brought total financial and material support for these programs to $1 billion.READ MORE

The AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships provide scientists and engineers with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills while learning first-hand about policy. Fellows serve yearlong assignments in all three branches of the federal government in Washington, D.C.Read more

Business 2 CommunityFrom March 19:
A career coach provides his insight: I have been a career coach for 17 years, and every day, I see horrible resumes. I have helped countless people rewrite their career history over the years and have created more than 1,000 career history summaries.
This piece of paper is so significant, but you typically only have about five seconds to make an impression on a recruiter. With the increasing competition in the job market, resume tips have practically become as valuable as winning lotto numbers.READ MORE

Business InsiderFrom April 2:
Contrary to what you've heard or read, cover letters are still important today. They're not necessarily essential or required in every industry or for every role, but savvy job seekers always have one ready to go.
"A lot of companies still ask candidates for a cover letter when they apply, especially if they're doing so through an online application system," explains says Tina Nicolai, executive career coach and founder of Résumé Writers' Ink.READ MORE